Comparing NFL Draft receivers to pro counterparts is generally very difficult for multiple reasons.
For one, a player could be morphed drastically by the offensive system he develops into. Two, football IQ and ability to adapt to the NFL-level of separation is a major factor in receiver development.
Keenan Allen, California – Anquan Boldin/Dez Bryant
One of the more physically gifted receivers in this class in terms of gaining separation as he works downfield, Keenan Allen is able to extend away from his frame and finish both in the slot and on the outside. Reminding of Dez Bryant with his ability to win vertically and Anquan Boldin with his willingness to remain physical in the short area after the catch, if he can be the best of both receivers, he’ll end up as one of the NFL’s best.
Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech – Greg Jennings
Quinton Patton’s ability as a receiver brings one word to mind: decisiveness. He’s efficient in his routes, works upfield quickly and without hesitation as a runner, and has a high football IQ to attack defenses on the edge. His timing on his routes, extension away from his body, and ability to set up opposing cornerbacks reminds very much of Greg Jennings, with Patton having a better NFL build.
Cordarelle Patterson, Tennessee – Percy Harvin/Michael Crabtree
While still raw in his route development and receiver IQ (similar to Michael Crabtree out of college), Patterson offers explosive ability both in getting vertical as well as (and especially) after the catch. However, his big play ability and high upside as a receiver is what made Harvin and Crabtree such high picks.
Robert Woods, USC – Reggie Wayne
Finding receivers with the athletic upside to be feature receivers yet the patience and route development in the mid-to-deep routes isn’t an easy task, and it’s a role Reggie Wayne has relished in throughout his career. Robert Woods wasn’t given a chance to showcase his downfield ability and athleticism as a vertical receiver this year, but he should early in his NFL career.
DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson – Antonio Brown
Playing opposite Sammy Watkins in 2011 somewhat overshadowed what DeAndre Hopkins can offer. But Hopkins plays extremely well away from his body, finishes catches in ideal run-after-catch position, and flashes big play ability when defenses give him too much vertical cushion. If he can have a similar career to Antonio Brown (and he has better size), he’s well-worth a mid-late 20s overall selection.
Tavon Austin, West Virginia – Randall Cobb/Dexter McCluster
A playmaker that is one of the more unique position players in recent years, finding even two prospects that can show what Tavon Austin can become in the NFL. Combining the versatility at receiver and as a returner in Randall Cobb along with the unique running back ability that Dexter McCluster has shown seems to do his NFL role justice. However, he’s quicker than both players, yet doesn’t have the size of Randall Cobb.
Stedman Bailey, West Virginia – Victor Cruz
Overshadowed as a receiver prospect with Tavon Austin getting the national headlines, Bailey is a far more polished and NFL receiver, one that can utilize option routes and work vertically at a high level. Bailey’s ability to work in the slot and the edge, and to adjust off his initial route is very similar to what has allowed Victor Cruz success.
Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech – Terrell Owens (young version)
One of the more straightforward comparison, Rogers could have similar NFL success as well as give NFL coaches headaches just as much. His ability to win with physicality in the short area and as he works downfield reminds of Owens, and he has more upside as a vertical receiver.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
